American Oystercatcher Lift OffAmerican Oystercatcher Lift Off – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 160, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Yesterday was rough, one of the biggest reasons for that is that my internet connection screwed up and new equipment is needed so this is just a simple post due to exhaustion, frustration or a combination thereof.

I thought I had already posted this American Oystercatcher image but I haven’t until now. I photographed this American Oystercatcher at Fort De Soto County Park’s north beach in February of 2009. The adult Oystercatcher had been resting on the sand and I took a series of images of the shorebird before it saw something in the air that caused it to be alarmed then take flight. It isn’t uncommon for Peregrine Falcons to be around the north beach area and the oystercatcher may have spotted it or another predator behind me.

One of two species of oystercatchers in North America the American Oystercatchers quickly stole my heart after I first saw them because of their colors, long bills, pink legs and their Goth-like black toenails.

Mia